Western Caribbean Cruise - DCL or private excursions

[tgrunewald]

Hi all,

First time on a Western Caribbean cruise in May. Was trying to decide whether to use DCL excursions or try private tours. Does anyone have any recommended private tour companies for Cozumel, Cayman and/or Jamaica?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Seven Seas Charters on Grand Cayman for Stingray City, Coral Garden and Starfish Beach

 

[Disney mac]

We did the dcl stingray and could not have been happier. The price was similar. The advantage of the dcl was that if the excursion was canceled I didn’t have to pay. Booking direct they told me I could get a “credit” for next time.
Just a thought.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

We did the dcl stingray and could not have been happier. The price was similar. The advantage of the dcl was that if the excursion was canceled I didn’t have to pay. Booking direct they told me I could get a “credit” for next time.
Just a thought.

Completely agree. We've done 2 snorkeling excursions via DCL (Stingray City & Reef/Wreck) and both were fantastic. In Cozumel, we did the Tulum tour that was amazing. I understand that there're some issues regarding excursions on the mainland, but when we did the Tulum tour, it was fantastic. We also didn't get back until 15 minutes after all aboard, but they held the ship for us as we were on an official DCL excursion. I didn't worry at all on the bus ride back; even took a nap. I know that others have had great experiences via private excursions, but via DCL, we had peace of mind re: the ship not departing without us!

 

[starvenger]

If you are looking for beaches and stuff it's just as easy to book Cozumel and Grand Cayman on your own, or even to wing it.

Now, if you're doing anything that involves crossing the harbour to Playa del Carmen like visiting Mayan ruins, I'd book through DCL for the reason pp mentioned above. A lot of variables in play, and I don't know that it's worth saving a few dollars over.

Jamaica, I think booking on your own is fine as well, but bear in mind that from Falmouth it's probably an hour drive for any excursion. And don't wander off on your own outside the cruise port area.

 

[WildEyed]

We booked on our own to go to Nachi Cocom on Cozumel. They only take 130 guests per day and it's all-inclusive. We took a taxi from the port and he volunteered to wait at the resort until the end of the day at no extra cost. It was pretty relaxing, not sure if that's the kind of thing you're looking for. There is also Mr. Sancho's next door which has some more active options.

 

[WildEyed]

For Grand Cayman we rented a private Sailboat (there were 3 families) which was a reasonable value - we got to plan our day on the fly and the driver who picked us up took us to the grocery store first where we picked up drinks, snacks and lunch for the day. The company was called Grand Cayman Cruise Excursions (Island Marketing). They had snorkel equipment and we did some swimming with stingrays. I think it worked out to cheaper than if we had booked the stingray tour on our own.

 

[Pooh93]

Hi all,

First time on a Western Caribbean cruise in May. Was trying to decide whether to use DCL excursions or try private tours. Does anyone have any recommended private tour companies for Cozumel, Cayman and/or Jamaica?

Thanks in advance.

We went on the Secret River excursion through DCL in Cozumel. By the time we were finished and caught the ferry back as a group, we arrived back at the ship about 4:30 and the ship was set to leave at 4:45. Had we been on our own, I would have been a basket case. Since we were on DCL's excursion, I was relaxed knowing they wouldn't leave us.

 

[starvenger]

We booked on our own to go to Nachi Cocom on Cozumel. They only take 130 guests per day and it's all-inclusive. We took a taxi from the port and he volunteered to wait at the resort until the end of the day at no extra cost. It was pretty relaxing, not sure if that's the kind of thing you're looking for. There is also Mr. Sancho's next door which has some more active options.

I actually have Nachi booked for my August cruise. Was debating between this and Mr Sanchos as price is basically the same. The fact that there's a patron limit was my deciding factor - seems like a lot of people talk about wanting to go to Mr Sanchos and not to be contrary, but when you're on a boat with 5-6000 people you want a little bit of serenity (Insert Frank Costanza pic) here and there.

 

[tgrunewald]

Thank you all for the quick and helpful responses.

I think we will stay on the island for Cozumel.

I'd love to get a dive in on Cozumel or Cayman (or both). Any suggestions on which is better and good dive shops? If I did that would I be able to do anything else? Is it safe enough to send my family to do something (non DCL) while I dive?

As for Jamaica, any recos on excursions?

 

[TestingH2O]

As for Jamaica, any recos on excursions?

We did a good tour and loved it! I've got a full review in my trip report linked in my signature

http://www.jamaicaculinarytours.com/

 

[SonyaShay]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any recommended private tour companies for Cozumel, Cayman and/or Jamaica?

Thanks in advance.

In Jamaica we used SNL Jamaican Tours. The owner, Lindsay McFarland, worked on the Disney Magic in the late 90's. He is a local historian and will give you as much or as little historical information that you want while on your tour. He told us when we started that if at any point we were tired of his talking just to let him know and he would be quite but we could have listened to him all day. His daughter lives in New York and so he is very knowledgeable to the differences of living in the US versus Jamaica and was able to explain to the kids (7 and 9 at the time) how different it would be for them if they lived in Jamaica. We learned about their government, food, economy, Rastafarians, you name it.

You can completely customize your tour with him. We chose to go to Blue Hole and then have lunch at Scotchies. My daughter still talks about Lindsay and our day in Jamaica 2.5 years later.

 

[scottb8888]

In Jamaica we are planning "Resortforaday" to Hilton Rose Hall. Looks like a great trip.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

In Mexico I would use DCL excursions for safety.

 

[starvenger]

In Mexico I would use DCL excursions for safety.

For me it depends on the situation. I think that for resorts on Cozumel, you can book outside of the cruise line without too much concern if you don't like the cruise-approved resort, or find a much better price. But for anything that requires taking the ferry to Playa del Carmen, I'd book the cruise excursion. All the issues with the ferry plus the fact that it eats up 90 minutes (round trip) of your time is too much for me.